Final answer:
To verify if the data follows a normal distribution, create a stemplot to examine the overall pattern and any outliers. The stemplot divides each observation into a stem and a leaf, allowing for analysis of the data's distribution. Provided an example and detailed explanation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To verify if the data follows a normal distribution, we can create a stemplot and examine the overall pattern and any outliers in the data. A stemplot is a graph that divides each observation into a stem and a leaf. The stem consists of the leading digit(s) and the leaf consists of a final significant digit. We can then analyze the stemplot to determine if there is a concentration of values and if the data appears to be normally distributed.
In the given example, the data are the distances (in kilometers) from a home to local supermarkets. The data points are: 1.1, 1.5, 2.3, 2.5, 2.7, 3.2, 3.3, 3.3, 3.5, 3.8, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.5, 4.7, 4.8, 5.5, 5.6, 6.5, 6.7, and 12.3.
To create a stemplot for this data, we write the stems (leading digits) in a vertical line from smallest to largest. Then for each stem, we write the corresponding leaves (final digits) in increasing order next to their stem. By analyzing the stemplot, we can determine if the data have any concentration of values and if they follow a normal distribution.